Carbon Monoxide Safety

Spend a Few Moments for Your Family’s Safety

Carbon monoxide is an invisible danger. You can’t see it, smell it, or taste it. Take a few minutes now to learn about the dangers of carbon monoxide and some simple precautions you can take to reduce the risk of accidental poisoning.

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Carbon Monoxide Can Be Deadly

Some of these fatalities are caused by improper operation of appliances.

Everyone in your family is at risk if dangerous levels of carbon monoxide are present in your home. Unborn babies, infants, those with medical conditions, and the elderly are the most susceptible to its effects.

Carbon monoxide can strike quickly…people who are sleeping can die from carbon monoxide poisoning before ever experiencing symptoms.

What is carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide, also called CO, is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, and toxic gas. Here are some things that may produce carbon monoxide:

smoking a cigarette

running an internal combustion engine

burning candles, fuel oil, wood, kerosene, natural gas, and propane

High levels of carbon monoxide can be produced when fuels are burned incompletely.

Where do high levels of carbon monoxide come from?

High levels of carbon monoxide can be generated by internal combustion engines or by appliances that are defective or improperly installed or maintained.

Carbon monoxide can also enter a home if an appliance venting system or chimney becomes blocked (for example, by a bird’s nest).

What is carbon monoxide poisoning?

High levels of carbon monoxide can cause flu-like symptoms, such as:

HEADACHE

DIZZINESS

FATIGUE

SHORTNESS OF BREATH

NAUSEA

In extreme cases, high levels of – or extended exposure to – carbon monoxide can result in brain damage or death.

Young children; the elderly; people with heart disease; and those under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication are particularly susceptible to carbon monoxide poisoning.

If you suspect carbon monoxide is present, ACT IMMEDIATELY!

If you or a family member shows physical symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, get everyone out of the building and call 911 or your local fire department.

If it is safe to do so, open windows to allow entry of fresh air, and turn off any appliances you suspect may be releasing the carbon monoxide.

If no one has physical symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, but you suspect that carbon monoxide is present, call your propane retailer or a qualified service technician to check carbon monoxide levels and your propane equipment.

Reduce the Risk of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

The best way to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning is to have a qualified service technician check your appliances and venting systems annually, preferably before the heating season begins.

Keep chimneys, flues, and vents free of debris such as leaves and animal nests.

Keep chimneys, flues, and vents free of snow and ice.

Consider installing a UL-listed carbon monoxide detector on every level of your home.

Reduce the Risk of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

NEVER use a gas oven or range-top burners to provide space heating.

NEVER use portable heaters indoors, unless they are designed and approved for indoor use.

NEVER use a barbecue grill (propane or charcoal) indoors for cooking or heating.

Regularly check your appliance exhaust vents for blockage.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors Can Improve Safety

Carbon monoxide detectors are designed to sound an alarm when they sense excessive levels of carbon monoxide in the air.

For an extra measure of safety, we recommend that you consider installing a UL-listed carbon monoxide detector on each level of your home.

Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding installation, location, and maintenance.